What Really Happens When You Try To Get Rich Quick

We’ve all seen the headlines.

“How I made ₹10 lakhs in one month with crypto.”
“Quit your job and make passive income while you sleep!”
“Turn ₹1,000 into ₹1,00,000 in just 30 days.”

Tempting, isn’t it? The idea of skipping the long, slow grind and fast-forwarding straight to wealth feels like a dream. Who wouldn’t want that?

But here’s the truth — trying to get rich quick often leads to getting broke quicker.

In this post, we’re diving deep into the reality behind get-rich-quick mindsets. We’ll explore:

Why fast money appeals to so many people
The psychological traps that fuel risky decisions
Real-life lessons from failed get-rich-quick attempts
The emotional and financial consequences most people don’t talk about
And finally, what actually works if you want to build real, lasting wealth

Let’s peel back the shiny promises and talk about what really happens when you try to chase fast money.

What Really Happens When You Try to Get Rich Quick

The Seduction of Fast Wealth

It’s not hard to see why so many people fall for get-rich-quick schemes. They tap into a deep human desire — instant gratification.

You scroll through social media and someone’s flaunting a luxurious lifestyle. They’re young, confident, and they say they cracked the code. No degrees, no boring jobs, no 9-to-5. Just laptops on beaches, luxury cars, and passive income.

It’s addictive. It makes you feel like you’re missing out.
And FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a powerful emotion.

But here’s the kicker — these stories are often highly edited, exaggerated, or just straight-up fake. What they don’t show you is the risk, the losses, the sleepless nights, or the loans taken to fund that illusion of success.

Behind every so-called “overnight success,” there’s either a mountain of effort… or a ticking time bomb.

The Psychology Behind the “Get Rich Quick” Mentality

Let’s break down why our brains fall for the quick-money trap:

1. Dopamine Hit

Every time you think about suddenly becoming rich, your brain rewards you with a tiny shot of dopamine — the feel-good hormone. It’s the same mechanism behind gambling addiction.

2. Comparison Culture

We’re constantly comparing our lives to others online. When someone your age is “living the dream,” it can trigger a sense of urgency or even shame — like you’re behind in life.

3. Survivorship Bias

You hear from the 1 person who made it big, not the 99 who failed. This skews your perception of risk. We remember the winners, not the thousands who went bankrupt trying.

4. Desperation

Let’s be honest — sometimes we chase quick money because we’re in pain. Debt, job dissatisfaction, family pressure — all of these make us more vulnerable to risky decisions.

Real-Life Consequences of Chasing Quick Money

Trying to get rich quick usually sounds like:

“I’ll double my money with this one stock or crypto.”
“This real estate flip is a sure thing.”
“I’ll start dropshipping and make millions in three months.”

But here’s what happens more often than not:

1. You Invest Without Understanding

People put money into things they don’t understand — just because someone on YouTube or Twitter made it sound easy. Crypto, penny stocks, forex, NFTs — you name it.

And when the market goes down (as it always does), you panic, sell at a loss, and blame luck.

2. You Borrow to Invest

Some even take loans, use credit cards, or borrow from friends and family. When it goes wrong, you’re not just losing money — you’re drowning in debt with broken trust.

3. You Burn Out

The grind of chasing quick wealth — switching side hustles every week, falling for the next big thing — eventually drains you emotionally. It’s exhausting and unsustainable.

4. You Lose Confidence

Repeated failures chip away at your self-worth. You start questioning your intelligence, your ability, your judgment. It becomes harder to make rational decisions with money.

The Myth of the Shortcut

There’s a common thread among all failed get-rich-quick attempts — the desire to skip steps.

Skip learning.
Skip patience.
Skip trial and error.
Skip discipline.

But real wealth isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about systems. About habits. About consistency over intensity.

Trying to get rich quick is like trying to lose 20 kg in 10 days — you might lose water weight, but you’ll wreck your health in the process and gain it all back (plus some).

Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: The Common Traps People Fall Into

Let’s go through a few of the most common quick-money traps — the kind that promise fast results but rarely deliver anything except regret.

1. Speculative Investing

Crypto, meme stocks, forex, penny stocks — all high-risk, high-volatility spaces. They can make you feel like a genius when they go up… and destroy your savings when they crash.

The problem isn’t the asset itself — it’s the mindset of chasing gains without understanding the game. Most people enter these markets like gamblers, not investors.

And here’s a hard truth: if you don’t understand what you’re investing in, you’re not investing — you’re gambling.

2. Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs)

They sell the dream: freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. But most people in MLMs lose money. You end up selling overpriced products to your friends and family — and you’re the real customer.

The emotional damage from these ventures is often worse than the financial losses.

3. Fake “Online Businesses”

From dropshipping stores to shady coaching programs, there’s no shortage of people selling you the dream of overnight success. The business model is often built around selling the idea of making money, rather than delivering any real value.

You buy a course for ₹50,000 only to realize you’re now stuck with outdated info, no support, and an empty bank account.

4. Pump-and-Dump Groups

Telegram or Discord groups that promise insider tips — “Buy this coin NOW, it’s about to moon!” — only for you to find out you were the exit liquidity. These groups make money off new members while selling them hype.

By the time you buy in, the price has already been pumped, and you’re left holding the bag.

The Emotional Fallout: It’s Not Just About Money

Losing money hurts. But what hits harder is what comes after.

1. Shame and Guilt

You start hiding your mistakes from others. You feel embarrassed. You blame yourself for being “stupid.” You stop trusting your own decisions.

This shame creates a toxic loop: you become risk-averse or, worse, swing to the other extreme — doubling down to recover your losses quickly, which often leads to even more damage.

2. Relationship Strain

Quick-money failures often lead to tension in families, fights with partners, and broken friendships — especially if borrowed money or false promises were involved.

The emotional cost can be heavier than the financial one.

3. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Evolves into Fear of Getting In (FOGI)

After a few burnouts, you start avoiding all opportunities. Even the good ones. You get stuck in fear mode — unable to trust anything, even sound advice. This “once bitten, twice shy” phase can hold you back for years.

What Actually Works: The Slow, Boring (but Proven) Path to Wealth

So if chasing shortcuts doesn’t work, what does?

Let’s talk about the stuff that actually builds wealth over time — the habits and principles that might not look sexy, but are extremely effective.

1. Spend Less Than You Earn

Yes, it’s obvious. But so few people do it consistently.

Track your spending. Build a budget. Cut out mindless expenses. These small wins compound massively over time. You don’t need to earn crores to become financially free — you just need to manage what you already have well.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

The first step to escaping the quick-money mindset is reducing desperation. Having 3–6 months of expenses saved in a liquid account gives you peace of mind and the ability to make rational decisions.

It stops you from jumping into risky bets out of fear.

3. Invest Consistently in Low-Cost Index Funds

Slow? Yes. Boring? Definitely. But over 10–20 years, index funds outperform most active investors. You’re betting on the economy, not a single stock.

Set up SIPs. Automate it. Ignore the noise. Let time do the heavy lifting.

4. Increase Your Income the Right Way

Instead of hunting for magic shortcuts, focus on improving your skills, switching to higher-paying roles, starting side hustles that actually solve problems, or launching a business with a clear value proposition.

Growth comes from value, not hype.

5. Learn About Money Like It’s a Language

Financial literacy is freedom. Read books, listen to podcasts, follow people who talk about money with honesty and depth. Learn how money works — how debt works, how taxes work, how businesses make money.

It’s not about mastering everything. It’s about knowing enough to make smart decisions.

Delayed Gratification: The Secret Superpower

The most underrated skill in wealth-building isn’t picking the right investment — it’s the ability to wait.

We live in a world that’s allergic to patience. But wealth grows like a tree. You water it, protect it, give it time… and it slowly turns into something massive.

Those who succeed financially are the ones who:

Avoid lifestyle inflation
Reinvest their earnings
Focus on long-term goals
Let compounding work in their favor

Trying to get rich quick is like trying to microwave a mango seed into a tree. Doesn’t work. Never has. Never will.

Final Thoughts: The Real Flex is Financial Peace

Here’s the punchline of this whole post:

Getting rich quick isn’t the dream — staying wealthy is.

It’s not the guy flashing watches and cars on Instagram who’s winning. It’s the person who:

Has no debt
Sleeps peacefully at night
Has control over their time
Isn’t constantly chasing the next “opportunity” out of panic or envy

That’s real wealth. That’s freedom.

So the next time someone tries to sell you a shortcut, ask yourself:

“If it’s so easy and guaranteed, why are they selling it to me instead of just doing it themselves?”

Stick to the basics. Stay consistent. Play the long game.

Because while get-rich-quick schemes leave you burnt and broke, get-rich-slow methods leave you free and fulfilled.

💡 Ready to Play the Long Game?

At Your Pocket Matters, we believe in financial freedom through education — not hype.

Follow our blog for more real-talk guides, money tips, and mindset shifts to build the life you deserve — one smart step at a time.

FAQ: What Really Happens When You Try to Get Rich Quick

To wrap things up, here are some of the most common questions people have when it comes to chasing fast money—and what you really need to know instead.

Is it actually possible to get rich quickly without luck or scams?

Not really. Unless you win the lottery, inherit a fortune, or stumble into a one-in-a-million startup, real wealth takes time. Most “get rich quick” offers are just that—offers. Not sustainable, repeatable paths.

What’s the biggest risk of chasing fast money?

You lose time, money, and often your peace of mind. You might jump into risky trades, shady investments, or over-leverage yourself chasing that “one big win.” Spoiler: that win rarely comes.

Aren’t there people who got rich fast?

Sure, but for every viral success story, there are thousands who lost everything trying to do the same. Survivorship bias makes fast success look more common than it is.

So what’s the better approach to building wealth?

Consistent income, smart money management, and long-term investing. It’s slower, yes—but way more reliable. Think index funds, side hustles, skill-building, and living below your means.

Is there a way to spot “get rich quick” traps online?

Yep—look out for promises of easy money, guaranteed returns, or “limited time” offers. If someone’s trying to sell you a lifestyle before showing real value, run.

Why do so many people fall for “fast money” traps again and again?

Because the idea is seductive. Society glorifies instant success. But what they don’t show is the debt, burnout, and financial mess behind the scenes. Once you see the full picture, it becomes easier to say no.

Abhishek Sinha

Founder & Editor at Your Pocket Matters | Website

Abhishek started Your Pocket Matters in 2025 to share his personal experiences with money—both the struggles and the successes. From facing significant losses in trading to turning things around and becoming financially independent, he’s learned valuable lessons along the way. Now, he’s here to help you take control of your finances with honest, practical advice—no scams, no gimmicks, just real strategies to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.